BOSTON, TRAVEL

Where Does the Time Go?

While I may not have had much time to write blog entries, I did sneak in a few great walks down scenic streets like Marlborough Street in July.

Sometimes it’s hard to be a blogger. While I’m never without a great idea for a post, my busy schedule can make it challenging to translate a great idea into a blog entry. Between, traveling, working long hours, trying to squeeze a little gym time in, and making time for friends, my blog sometimes falls low on the priority list.

While I usually try to focus on everything besides work on this blog, I thought it might be cool to share two of the big reasons why I was running around like a busy bee (versus blogging) during the end of July. During a 10-day span at the end of the month, I found myself crossing the country for two incredibly exciting events.

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BOSTON, EVENTS

Saturday, July 9: The Greenway Open Market Debuts in Boston

Greenway Open Market

There’s a new market in town! Weekends in the city were made for strolling and this Saturday, July 9, Bostonians can kick off their weekend with a proper wander around the Greenway Open Market. Open between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. along the stretch of parks between Surface Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and High Street, the Greenway Open Market is organized by the same folks who brought the amazing SoWa Open Market to Beantown.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that this new market plans to take a page from their successful South End sibling with an array of art and craft vendors, plus several food trucks. As someone who was there when the Greenway first opened (while hosting an event for a former employer in the Chinatown park), I’m especially excited to see how the market is set up. Tip: the Haymarket Open Air Market is also nearby if you’re looking for a fresh fruit and veggie fix!

The Greenway Open Market will be open every Saturday from 11am-4pm through September 17, while the SoWa Open Market will continue to rule Sundays from 10am-4pm through the end of October.

RECIPES

Home Cookin’: Long Live The Donut Muffin

I take no prisoners when it comes to donut muffins.

There’s a lot to love about Healdsburg, California. From great restaurants, to adorable shops and a variety of wine tasting rooms, it’s a great home base away from more touristy wine country towns. That’s lovely and all, but the real reason why I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Healdsburg is because it’s where the donut muffin and I were first introduced.

Located off Healdsburg’s quaint town center park, the donut muffin is made by the Downtown Bakery & Creamery. Not quite a donut and not quite a muffin, this treat is indulgent without being overly sweet. The flavor is inspired by that of a traditional cake donut with a cinnamon/sugar topping.

Donut muffin magic in progress.

After leaving Healdsburg, I had the brilliant thought to google the Downtown Bakery & Creamery’s donut muffin recipe. Through the magic that is internet search, I found the recipe online and quickly went to work in my tiny Boston kitchen.

The end result? Pretty darn good. I couldn’t figure out how to replicate the crisp outer crust to match the donut muffin from the Downtown Barkery & Creamery, but all of my taste testers seemed very pleased. While the recipe is a little labor intensive, mostly because I wanted to make them as mini muffins, versus large muffins, I found the process worthwhile.

The finished product: mini donut muffins!

Tip: Instead of dipping my mini muffins in melted butter, I used a pastry brush and brushed it on. I also gingerly sprinkled the cinnamon/sugar topping instead of rolling. I initially made them this way to make them lighter, but the end result still tasted indulgent, so I’ll continue to do this going forward.

To view the recipe for the Downtown Bakery & Creamery’s Donut Muffin, click here. Buon Appetito!

For more of my recipes, click here.

BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion: Newbury Street Agent Provocateur Sale Starts June 30th

Photo Courtesy of the Newbury Street Agent Provocateur

‘Tis the time of year when sales abound. While I love the idea of a proper sale, nothing disappoints me more than when markdowns are hyped, only to arrive at the store to find a meager rack with random sizes. In hopes of helping local fashionistas find sales worth their time and hard earned dollars, I recently got a sneak peek of the upcoming sale items at the luxurious lingerie boutique Agent Provocateur.

The cheekily named ‘Reduce ‘n’ Seduce Sale’ kicks off on Thursday, June 30, and I can verify that an ample amount of exquisite lingerie and nightwear will be marked down. Reductions will be up to 50% off and are available while in stock. Sale options range from classic and refined, to the (ahem) more flirty.

During a recent visit with the nice gals at Agent Provocateur , I got a firsthand look at the sale items and the overall boutique experience. Located at 123 Newbury Street just below the street level, stepping into the boutique makes one feel like they’re in a glam pink and black boudoir. From the overly plush carpeting, to the lacy motif on the walls and black chandeliers, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thought that went into creating a signature experience for Agent Provocateur shoppers.

Helpful associates, like the lovely Betsy and Nicole, add to that experience. Decked in figure flattering coats and hosiery, their job is to make even the most shy customers feel comfortable. Only one size of each lingerie item is displayed throughout the store, allowing associates to best help shoppers select the correct size and recommend similar options. It’s this personalized attention, combined with in depth of knowledge about lingerie construction and fabric choices, that keep well heeled Bostonians coming back each season.

Agent Provocateur is located at 123 Newbury Street, between Clarendon and Dartmouth. For more information about the sale, please visit the Agent Provocateur website. Happy shopping!

During The SavvyBostonian’s visit, she was given the deliciously smelling Agent Provocateur Maitresse  fragrance as a gift.

BOSTON

Spotted: Classic Novel Reusable Bags at Barnes & Noble in Boston

My reusable bag “collection” is an unimpressive assortment of freebies from various events. Calling it a collection is actually giving these bags more credit than they deserve, because minus the cute reusable lululemon bag from my colleague, I don’t have an affinity for any of them….until now.

Introducing a cheap yet chic new take on the eco-friendly bag from Barnes & Noble: classic novel reusable bags. Featuring vintage covers of famous novels like “Gone With the Wind,” “On the Road,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and more, the bags are cute and cost under three dollars. I purchased the “To Kill A Mockingbird” bag, but also adore the “Gone With the Wind” one.

Kudos to Barnes & Noble for coming up with this idea. Now, if only they come come up with a cute reusable bag design for my favorite books growing up, “The Catcher In the Rye,” or “The Secret Garden.” I’m not sure what I would do with myself, I’d be so excited.

The SavvyBostonian purchased her “To Kill A Mockingbird” reusable bag at the Barnes & Noble in the Prudential Center and you can too! Efforts to locate them online have been unsuccessful.