C'est Cheese

Cheese Lovers check out this neat little North Hampton NH cheese store. They have a fairly good selection of European cheese. My favorite is the piave vecchio! LOVE IT! Go get some for yourself... C'est Cheese | 122 lafayette rd, route 1, north hampton nh | 603.964.2272

Dependence by Jamie Slocum

This is a song that breaks my heart in a good way. It is so soul satisfying to listen and to sing. I had 2 mini concerts at my place recently (not by Slocum). My good friends Connie and her niece Sung played piano and cello. Never knew my piano sounds so good! Wish I could play these instruments someday. I hope you'll enjoy this YouTube video DEPENDENCE by Jamie Slocum as much as I do.

The Purple Onion - Casual Mexican

Casual, eclectic space has both café feel and hole-in-the-wall appeal. Charmingly quaint and comfortable. That's how The Purple Onion describes their space serving yummy Mexican food at moderate price. It can get really busy on the weekends but the staff are very organized and efficient. Mark's favorite is the beef chili, believe only served in cool/cold seasons. I had the special sweet n sour tomato soup last Saturday... sitting outside the café on the iron chairs watching our kids having fun at the playground just right across it. The paninis, on our previous visits, are just as good. 44 inn st, newburyport ma | 978.465.9600 | www.thepurpleonion.com

Divine Cafe & Grille

If you are visiting the town Exeter NH, Cafe Divine may worth stopping by for a lunch. Fresh ingredients, organic, healthy, eco-friendly, and best of all ... food is good. The greens are deliciously healthy. My favorite is The "D" Wayne ~ beef burger with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, Swiss & Cabot cheddar on a roll...mmm...mouth-watering. Check out their menu (also children's) and opening hours (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays) 50 lincoln st, exeter nh | 773.2233 | www.divinecafe.org

Womenade

{If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? ~ James 2:15-16 } Alright... being snazzy, having fun and dining well does not mean you need to go down the road of arrogance... I hope none of us are anyway. I must admit that I can be guilty of it at times. There are many ways you can give, I'm sure you know that... being approached in many ways. Here's one of them that I thought it is tangible giving leading to intangible blessing ~ both giver & recipient. Womenade | womenadeofgr.squamscott@comcast.net | www.womenadenh.org

just fyi, I put the bible verse on this post, not womenade.

Oishii - Fine Japanese

Oishii means delicious in Japanese. It is absolute bravery to label a Japanese restaurant with that name if you know the culture. As with the same boldness, we dined here twice with our kids... invited Japanese friends on both occasions - how brave! It has 2 levels with modern zen interior, even the bathrooms are cool. Food is oishii indeed ~ fresh seafood. If there is anyone in your group who don't appreciate sushi & sashimi - the raw stuff... don't worry, it has other scrumptious cooked food in the wide selection menu, bound to have something they will enjoy. Use your AMEX if you have one, you'll get lots of points. 1166 washington st, boston ma | 617.482.8868 | www.oishiiboston.com

Momsense... alright Dadsense too

All of us can relate to this song, whether you are a parent or ... not. Our ears were filled with advises from our parents when we were young, never knew that these same words come out of our own mouth when you become one. Comedian Anita Renfroe puts it all in one hgysterical 3-minute song ~ Momsense. It's Hilarious! Don't forget the Dadsense too. Happy Mother's Day! momsense (click) | dadsense (click)

soak

soak is kinda cute store to buy stuff for your bathroom. You can find Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic products ~ the softest bath robe I've ever felt! Fun shower curtains, all kinds of soaps, rubber duckies, etc. 7 state st, newburyport ma| 978.465.soak 7625

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

BYOB Bring Your Own Beverage - this is THE place to eat lobster on a nice day. It's relaxing (very casual, totally kid-friendly) with a spectacular water view. We usually bring our own table cloth, wine & cheese, salad, fruits, etc. Don't forget wine opener and glasses. Some even brought vase with flowers, whatever makes your dining experience an enjoyable one. You can bring any food & beverages as long as they are not sold there. Check out their menu for food other than lobsters, the chicken fingers are surprisingly tender. Parking is usually an issue for busy days. Opens daily from Mother's Day to Labor Day. Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier | 16 chauncey creek rd, kittery point, me | 207.439.1030 | www.chaunceycreek.com

O ya

"Housed in a narrow, rustic firehouse, its 40-seat tavern-style dining room is the unlikely setting for some of the best Japanese cuisine in the country." That's the review in Best of Boston. It has a wide selection in the menu, all sounds delicious. Keiko-san, we should try this out. O ya (restaurant name...really) | 9 east st, boston ma | 617.654.9900 | www.oyarestaurantboston.com You will get a kick out of a review (click here) by Aaron B.

MYERS+CHANG

inspired by Taiwanese soul food and Southeast Asian street food. It has good reviews on Boston and Gourmet magazines. I have not personally try it, but will ... very soon. Write your comment if you did before me. www.myersandchang.com | 1145 washington st (south end), boston ma | 617.542.5200

desserts only

Got sweet tooth?... indulge in desserts with me... especially those mouthwatering ones with just an ittybitty piece on a pretty plate. It always reminds me of my sweet memories in Paris, Vienna, and Tokyo. Try L.A. Burdick in Cambridge MA (also one in Walpole NH) and in Boston ~ Sportello, Aroa, and Flour. www.burdickchocolate.com | www.sportelloboston.com | www.flourbakery.com | Aroa @ 1651 Washington St, Boston (617) 425-4988.

WishBasket

WISHBASKET has a French Country feel to it. Although I am modernistic, at times I am attracted to other style... a little twist, like infusing the east to the west. You may find some unique household items, beddings, to big floor mirrors. Great place to shop for gifts. Find this store in the Tannery at 50 water street, newburyport ma | 978.465.1515

Anthropologie

Located across Prudential Center in a corner of Boylston St in Boston, lies a lovely store {Anthropologie}! Mostly women apparels and accessories, but it has sections for kitchenware, bed linens, baths, etc. I like the pretty aprons there too. Iliana, my movitator at gym, is a smart shopper at Anthropologie. She's very busy with 3 young kids so she doesn't get to shop by foot very often. Sometimes, if she's lucky, she gets great deals by browsing catalogue and do some "homework". www.anthropologie.com

Paper Source

I am a fanatic for stationery, don't laugh...because I have a friend who shares the same passion. I was shopping (again) in Boston and came across this incredible store years ago, still there ~ PAPER SOURCE. It has variety of unusual wrapping & decorative papers, creative invitation cards, craft supplies, and toys. I totally forgot about it until Jessica from Cymbidium Floral mentioned it again....and I was there not too long ago. So, the credit goes to her. www.paper-source.com

Blue Sky on York Beach

Adriana, a good friend also a chef, suggested Blue Sky on York Beach when I couldn't decide where to take Mark for dinner this Friday 4/24/09. Neither of us have been there, so I'm going try it and will write my comment on this post. BTW, it's a surprise for Mark. #2 beach st, york beach, me | 207.363.0050 | www.blueskyonyorkbeach.com

Ablaze, Exeter NH

Bought a cool looking charcoal gray front zipper sweater for Mark today. We will have a dinner date this Friday evening to celebrate his birthday, but I couldn't wait... so I gave it to him immediately I got home. He looks GORGEOUS in it, very stylish. It's French Connection UK and I got it from downtown Exeter NH at Ablaze. They have several brands clothing for men and women. 113 water st, exeter nh www.ablazeboutique.com

Anna Street Studio - custom bags

Design your own custom bag. You can pick any style and fabric you want. Great for gifts! A few of us combined and gave as a shower gift to our best friend Sharon. Pretty cool. Anna Street Studio 113 market st, portsmouth nh www.annastreet.com

Helene M - Women's Clothing

Stylish Urban women's apparels and accessories. I visited the Portsmouth store, pretty trendy ~ quality stuff. If you refuse to walk on streets wearing the same thing as other women, then this might be the store to shop. But, there is a PRICE to pay...litterally... You can find them in Portland ME, Portsmouth NH, & South Hamilton MA. www.helenem.com

FOUR restaurant, Portsmouth NH

I had a girls' night out with a bunch fun pretty women {mothers with young children} in downtown Portsmouth. We had dinner at AGAVE and head to FOUR restaurant for some drinks. I heard from a few friends that they have great steaks but we didn't get to taste it. Then we proceed to a dance floor at ... mmm... can't remember what that place called, a not-so-hip place. Oh oh, prior to that... some of us did palm reading for fun. Let me know your opinion on FOUR if you actually sat and ate. 189 state st, portsmouth nh | 603.319.1547 | www.fouronstate.com

Flat Bread

Many may have already been to Flatbread a thousand times, but for those who's not familiar, this is THE place for pizza. The environment is casual, children-friendly, and yeah... noisy. There are several Flatbread restaurants in New England and one in Maui. Go find one near you www.flatbreadcompany.com

nahcotta, Portsmouth NH

I never fail to stop by nahcotta whenever I'm in Portsmouth. A shop that sells fine arts, contemporary gifts and home furnishings. What makes it different from other stores is the way it showcases its merchandise - gallery|museum style. 110 congress st, portsmouth nh www.nahcotta.com Also check out their ETA www.enormoustinyart.com

Britians Got Talent 2009 - Susan Boyle

While I was still catching my breath right after a sweaty cardio+pilates class this morning, Brenda the owner of Elements For Women was commenting on the show Britians Got Talent - Susan Boyle and suggested to search YouTube on this subject. (see... you don't just get fit there) After watching the video, I had the same reaction as many, that we ought to be ashamed of ourselves if we are cynical about somebody, especially those who has dreams. I'm sure many of us have learned to be less judgemental in our lives even before this video, if not...I hope this will. Dreams (click here)

AGAVE, Portsmouth & Newburyport

hola! A Mexican Bistro. Good fine Mexican Food...delicioso. They have 2 locations ~ Portsmouth NH (www.agavedos.com) & Newburyport MA (www.agavemexicanbistro.com).

elements for women, Exeter NH

A fitness club fit for chic women - like me (no kidding). The staff at the reception lobby is cheerful and welcoming. The entire club has a fresh calm modern feel despite the small fully utilized space. It has all kinds of activities going on... not just classes. BTW, I enjoy (yes...having fun) the classes, especially the ZUMBA! Before heading to the shower, I can either read my favorite book/magazines in the sauna or get a massage in a private room. All mothers...good news, they have childcare. Go get fit! 603.772.3883 | www.elementsforwomen.com

west elm, Burlington MA

Modern, simple and affordable. Not as massive as Crate & Barrel. I got a nice rug (good timing - it was on sale!), decorative pillows, a floor lamp, and a table lamp. Love them all. Nice furniture - but I do not own one... not yet anyway, so I can't comment on the quality. I enjoy browsing the store in Burlington. It's one exit away from Burlington Mall. www.westelm.com

Stylish Children Apparels, Newburyport MA

Lively Kids in Newburyport, MA carries stylish children apparels, neat toys, baby carriers, really cute shoes, etc. These are the things you find in NYC. state st, newburyport ma | www.livelykid.com | 978.465.7650

Design Public

If you are hip {I always like to think I am}, you gotta check this out. www.designpublic.com. Mostly home interior.

Out Of Orient furniture & home accessories, N. Hampton NH

The furniture are one-of-a-kind, high quality, and best of all eco-friendly. Accentuate your room with an antique stone well cover... that will be so cool. It's not modern, but rustic, zen, simple. You will need to make an appointment to visit the showroom in North Hampton, NH | www.outoforient.com | 603.778.6499

Etsy Wall Decals

Not sure about you, I love wall decals. Some are removable and reusable. It's fun. Don't blame me if you get hook on it. Search "wall decals" at www.etsy.com. BTW, this web site has many other handmade/design products. You can advertise your handiwork too.

Black Cow Restaurant in Newburyport MA

Mark and I had a wonderful experience at Black Cow Restaurant... while the kids had a blast at home with the babysitter. We were actually lucky to get a table at the outdoor deck on a beautiful perfect evening. Waterfront...oooo love that. Not totally modern, but good enough for me. www.blackcowrestaurants.com

City & Country in Portsmouth, NH (cool stuff for your kitchen, bath, home, etc.)

Many of my friends and neighbors living in NH from 2-12 years have NEVER heard or been to the store City and Country! It was there since 1986. It has variety of cool stuff for kitchen, bath, home interior, but I don't see any apparels, unless you consider apron as one. It's like a mini combination of Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, & Anthropologie. Go, give yourself a shopping treat at 50 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, NH | 603.433.5353. May be difficult to enjoy browsing with kids & strollers.

Cymbidium Floral in Exeter NH

I like Cymbidium Floral in downtown Exeter, NH. I told my husband that it will be safe if he gets flowers for me from Cymbidium ... I can't hide my facial expression when receiving gifts of anything. Jessica the owner is creative and the flower arrangements are usually up-to-date. There are some interesting vases, cards, and neat gift items in store. Check it out www.cymbidiumfloral.com.