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BOSTON

BOSTON, EVENTS

Monday, January 17: Free Open House at the MFA

MFA Art of the Americas Wing Interior

Ah, long weekends.  I don’t know about you, but I cherish that extra day off and always look to enjoy it properly by doing something special.  This long weekend, I’m envisioning catching up with friends while soaking up a little culture.  Lucky for us Bostonians, on Monday, January 17, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is openings its doors to the public for free in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Made possible courtesy of the Citizens Bank Foundation, the MFA’s free open house runs from 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. and is an excellent opportunity to check out the museum’s new Art of the Americas wing.  As if the new wing and free admission weren’t incentive enough, the MFA has also organized a variety of special programs that celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., including concerts from musicians at The Berklee College of Music and interactive art activities.

Much better than spending your day in an office, right?

The Museum of Fine Arts is located along the Avenue of the Arts at 465 Huntington Avenue in Boston.  For more information, please visit the MFA’s website: http://www.mfa.org/

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Closed! Three Hotspots I’m Missing in 2011

Rocca by SoWa Sundays from Flickr

As I look forward to many nights on the town in 2011, I can help but feel a twinge of sadness that three of my go-to hotspots – Rocca, Vox and Ginger Park – are no longer open.

Ginger Park closed in early December and according to the Boston.com blog Dishing, chef/owner Patricia Yeo is reportedly scouting out another space for a new restaurant concept in May.  What I’ll remember is the incredibly cool space framed by arched wood panels, fantastic drinks and a chill bar scene.

Following a New Year’s Eve dinner, Rocca surprised local foodies by closing its doors.  Adding to the buzz was whether the restaurant’s celebrity chef Tiffani Faison may be interested in opening her own place.  We can only hope that a fun new restaurant concept takes its place, because I’ll remember Rocca’s free parking lot, swanky interior and affordably priced menu for making it a great venue for meeting friends from all corners of the city for a workweek dinner.

Last, but certainly not least, Vox on Boylston Street has also closed.  Unfortunately, googling has not generated much background as to why the fun nightspot closed, but we can only hope that its prime Back Bay real estate will result in another fun bar/restaurant before we know it.  I’ll remember many lively happy hours and nights out on the town!

Got any scoop about soon-to-be restaurants and hotspots filling these venues? Leave a comment below and let me know!

BOSTON, FASHION

Fashion Update: Forever 21 Opens on Newbury Street

Forever 21 by Jessica Gioglio

Have snow boots, will shop!  While the weather may have postponed Forever 21’s January 8 grand opening event on Newbury Street, it didn’t discourage Bostonians from flocking to the trendy chain in search of fashion-forward bargains.

Located at the top of Newbury Street between Hereford Street and Mass. Ave., Boston’s Forever 21 boasts a whopping four levels, three of which are dedicated to the ladies and one at the very top to the gents.  Upon entry to the shop, I was struck by something that I don’t usually see at Forever 21: well-done visual merchandising.

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BOSTON

First Photo of 2011

Tree Near the MFA by Jessica Gioglio

Inspired by the unseasonably warm weather, I couldn’t resist getting my New Year off on the right foot with a long walk, followed by a dash of culture.  Thanks to a few kind Bostonians, I was tipped off that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was open – and free – on New Year’s Day!  Too bad there wasn’t a twitterer in line to warn me of the long line to get in!

While en route to the museum, I snapped this cool photo just before the Museum of Fine Arts.  I’ve always been inspired by bare tree limbs and love the contrast between the inky black branches and the late afternoon sky.

The photo was snapped with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 which I purchased following an unfortunate Halloween camera debacle. So far, the camera’s intelligent auto feature has made this sleek digital camera a solid sidekick, though I find myself turning off the flash more often than not.

While my museum trip may have been a bust due to the long line, I did enjoy a very long walk through the Fens, into the Back Bay and along the Charles River.

Talk about getting the New Year off on the right foot!

BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

Friday, December 3: Social Boston Sports Hosts 3rd Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at Bleacher Bar

SBS Ugly Holiday Sweater Party 2009

On Friday, December 3, embrace the spirit of the season with Social Boston Sports (SBS) as they host their 3rd annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at Bleacher Bar.  Kicking off at 9:00 p.m., wearing sweaters adorned with an unnecessary amount of sparkle, puff paint, bells, or bows will make you the star of this soiree.  You may even win a prize for outshining your fellow revelers!

Tickets to the event cost $15, though one third of all party revenues will be donated to several local charities, including Hospitality Homes, Starlight Foundation, and Play Ball!  Tickets can be purchased at www.socialbostonsports.com.

As someone who attended last year (I’m the 2nd from the right in the photo above), I can attest to how fun and festive this party is!  You’ll see ugly sweaters that will boggle your mind – so tacky, yet kind of a work of art in their own right.  Plus, if you don’t have an ugly holiday sweater, fear not – just wear something that showcases your holiday spirit.  Think cheesy, gaudy or sparkly – or a wacky Santa cap, or reindeer antlers!

Adding to the fabulousness of the event will be Smuttynose brews, live music from local cover band Pete From Last Night (PFLN), plus Bleacher Bar’s cool window peeking into Fenway Park.

Bleacher Bar is located at 82A Lansdowne Street alongside Fenway Park.