hidden treasures, new, interesting, exciting, snazzy, modern, stylish of good quality (affordable or $$$ but worth it) - restaurants, boutiques, shops, gifts, home & garden, kids, entertainment, beauty, people, books, places, etc. The challenge is ... in New England, especially northern NE like MA, NH, ME, VT, unless we can reach or get it from internet. Here are some of my favorites.
soakis 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
BYOBBring 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
"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.comYou will get a kick out of a review(click here) by Aaron B.
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
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 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
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
I am afanatic 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
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
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
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. Prettycool. Anna Street Studio 113 market st, portsmouth nh www.annastreet.com
Stylish Urbanwomen'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 aPRICEto pay...litterally... You can find them in Portland ME, Portsmouth NH, & South Hamilton MA. www.helenem.com
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, anot-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
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
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 ETAwww.enormoustinyart.com
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)
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 instore. Check it out www.cymbidiumfloral.com.
Please comment and share with me & us providing web sites, address, and/or contact info on what you would recommend. I always like to try something new and will post it with my comments. Subscribe to get "what's new" in this blog. You can always unsubscribe.
Born + Raised in Singapore - a multilingual city & country in Southeast Asia where second language is compulsory from kindergarten. Grew up in a Chinese family speaking Chinese dialects to parents and English to siblings. It is wonderful that I had the opportunity to learn 2 languages - spoken & written and several dialects. Now that I live in the U.S. and have young children of my own, I would like the same privilege for them.
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