Browsing Tag

Deals and Steals

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION, NIGHTLIFE

The Work Week in Boston: Monday, September 27 – Thursday, September 30

The Swapaholics Boston - Fashion Week Sip & Swap

Time flies when you’re having fun, right?  The weekend may have passed in the blink of an eye, but Boston is once again keeping the work week interesting.  In addition to nightly events for Boston Fashion Week, there’s networking with Boston World Partnerships and a lively night of belly dancing at The Beehive competing for your presence this week.

Monday, September 27 – Closet Couture at the W Hotel
Ever open your closet only to declare that you have nothing to wear? Happens to me frequently while playing the “outfit game” before work. Whether you’re seeking a fab find or a fun night out, head to the W Hotel on Monday night from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. for a fashion show featuring both high and low end pieces from Second Time Around.  An after-party with Stuff Magazine and a Second Time Around Pop-Up store kicks off immediately following the fashion show at 10:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is 21+.

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BOSTON, EVENTS

The Weekend: September 25-26

Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival

Now that it’s officially fall, I’m treating every final burst of warm weather as if it could be our last.  With temperatures on Saturday expected in the mid-80s and Sunday near 70, it’s a great weekend to get out and enjoy Boston. This weekend, free fun is the name of the game, especially when it comes to art and music. In addition to free entry at several of the city’s top museums on Saturday, there are a few amazing (and free) concerts to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Here are my top picks for events this Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday, September 25

Free Jazz Fest in the South End
From noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, follow the sweet sounds of live jazz to Mass. Ave and Columbus Ave. in the South End for the tenth annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival. Serving as the grand finale to a series of events and performances that have been happening throughout the city since September 15, this all-day, outdoor festival features three stages with great performers, including Al Kooper and the Funky Faculty, the Jonathan Batiste Trio, and more.  For a full schedule of today’s events, please click here.

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BOSTON, EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE

Friday, July 30: MFA Hosts Free Community Day

MFA Boston by Lilbenne from Flickr

On Friday, July 30, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is opening its doors to the general public by hosting a free community day.  From 10:00 a.m. through 9:45 p.m, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a frequent visitor, or haven’t stepped inside the Museum in ages, because general admission is gratis courtesy of the Highland Street Foundation.

With ten exhibitions and seven guided tours available at various times during the day, visitors can decide whether they prefer to wander on their own and play art critic, versus tapping into the wisdom of a Museum-trained guide.  Also not to be missed is the current visiting masterpiece,  Vincent van Gogh’s The Sower.

While there are tons of family-friendly activities during the day, visitors over 21 can also enjoy alfresco cocktails and live music in the Museum’s Calderwood Courtyard from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

For more information about the MFA’s free community day on Friday, July 30, please click here.

BOSTON, RESTAURANTS

The South End Buttery: The Little Cafe That Could (and Does!)

South End Buttery by Don’t Wake Me, I Plan On Sleeping from Flickr

Casually cool with amazing sandwiches and pastries, the South End Buttery is exactly the kind of place you want to live within walking distance of.  Tucked into a quaint area of the South End filled with posh brownstone walk-ups and hip furniture stores, this neighborhood gem is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, allowing ample opportunity to satisfy cravings on a whim.

Upon entry to the restaurant, step into the bustling cafe space with cheerful yellow walls and a display case filled with pastries worth salivating over.  Though there are two quieter rooms, I prefer sitting in the main room, which gets fantastic natural light and presents a constant stream of Bostonians for people watching.  On a nice day, try and snag a seat on the tiny outdoor patio, which is pet-friendly.

While I’ve never been for dinner, I have tried – and loved – their plain croissant, pecan sticky bun and seven layer bar.  Their iced coffee is lovely, but fair warning – the large size is huge!  The sandwiches are truly the star of the show here, especially the Curried Chicken Salad, which is worth every deliciously messy bite.

Though the South End Buttery has many high points, I wish that they also made their salads to order instead of having them available at the takeaway counter.  I’m guessing that this is only a lunchtime issue, but after seeing the delicious made to order sandwiches arrive at our table, I would have swooned over a more innovative salad menu.

The South End Buttery is located at 314 Shawmut Avenue at the corner of Union Park in the South End.  For more information, please visit their website: www.southendbuttery.com

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

May 15-16: SoWa Open Market Returns to the South End

SoWa Open Market by New England Open Markets From Flickr

It’s baaack!  The SoWa Open Market is kicking off its seventh annual “season” in  Boston’s South End on Saturday-Sunday, May 15 and 16.  This weekend, more than 140 vendors, including clothing and accessories designers, photographers, artists, local farmers and bakers will descend on 460 Harrison Street to sell their wares under bright white tents in an open air market setting.

In addition to the outdoor market, there’s also a specialty SoWa Vintage Market, located in the former brick warehouse behind the market.  After this weekend, both markets will be open every Sunday through October 30 – excluding Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day weekends.  The event is free to attend and there’s free parking available in the lot adjacent to the market.