Looking for the perfect pair? - National Jean Company

National Jean Company buys only the best designer jean lines for both men and women. If you are looking for the perfect pair, this really is the place to shop. Their staff is well trained and educated on the details of every line and every fit. The stores also stock up on adorable dresses, tops, tee's and more.

HINT: National Jean Company and Paige denim has teamed up with The Liberty Hotel and will be featured in their Fashionably late event this Thursday! Meet Paige, the designer of Paige jeans this Friday at their Newton location! NJC will be offering 15% off your entire purchase from 12p-3p. 10% of sales are donated to The Harris Center for Education and The Advocacy in Eating Disorders.

National Jean Company Wellseley
Phone: 781-489-3500
180 Linden Street
Wellesley, MA 02482

National Jean Company Newton
Phone: 617-969-2888
34 Langley Road
Newton, MA 02459

Try something different! - Boston Rock Gym

Boston Rock Gym has both indoor and outdoor rock climbing lessons. Sign up for a 3 hour class for $58.00 and you also receive a free two week pass to the indoor rock gym to practice what you learned! For indoor climbing just pay a $16.00 fee. The gym is open Monday-Saturday until 10pm so if you don't feel like having a night out on the town, Boston Rock Gym is a great and healthy alternative!

HINT: Check out their blog...very cool stuff!

Phone: 781-935-7325
78G Olympia Avenue
Woburn, MA 01801

The weather is warm - Take a trip to SPLASH!

I have to be honest, we weren't sure what to expect from the new lounge/club Splash, previously known as News. However SPLASH Boston happens to host one hell of a night out! With two floors of dancing, a fabulous DJ playing everything from electro to old school, and a rooftop lounge and pool, you really can't help but have a blast!

HINT: Chef Gianni Caruso creates mouth watering specialty gourmet burgers from crab to pulled pork, just ask for their burger bar menu!

Phone: 617-426-6397
150 Kneeland Street
Boston, MA 02111-2715

MOBA - Art too bad too be ignored

Many museum goers enjoy viewing art for inspiration. However, The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) can be inspiring as well, or just really fun to look at. The museum believes that this art is so bad, that it simply deserves recognition. Their popularity has grown and they have recently expanded to two galleries.

HINT: MOBA News, their online newsletter allows you to enjoy the most recent bad works without leaving your home!

Phone: 781-444-6757
Davis Square Gallery
Basement of Somerville Theater
55 Davis Square
Somerville MA

Dedham Gallery
Basement of Dedham Community Theatre
580 High Street
Dedham MA 02026

Polkadog Bakery - Cutest Boston Dog CONTEST TODAY!

CONGRATS TO RASCAL AND FELIX, THE WINNERS OF SECRET BOSTON AND BOSTON WEEKENDS BLOG CUTEST DOG CONTEST!





Polkadog bakery is THE place to spoil your Boston dogs! With gourmet treats baked everyday, your dogs will believe that heaven really is a place on earth. Polkadog was named after a stray that the owners found in Puerto Rico years ago. Check out their site for Polkadogs story! The bakery won The Best of Boston award in 2007 and now has two retail locations.

HINT: CUTEST BOSTON DOG CONTEST TODAY!
Boston Weekends Blog has teamed up with Secret Boston on Facebook. It's as easy as this, post a picture of your dog on Secret Boston's Facebook wall and the dog with the most comments by 5:00pm today wins a fabulous gift basket from Polkadog bakery retailing at $68.00. The second place winner will also receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the bakery!

Secret Boston and Boston Weekends blog will feature the winning dogs picture! Check back at 5:00pm today to see the winners and GOOD LUCK!

Click on this link to post your picture: www.facebook.com/secretboston

South End
Phone: 617-338-5155
256 Shawmut Avenue
South End, Boston 02118

Jamaica Plain
Phone: 617-522-1931
42 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

The Miracle of Science Bar + Grill - You never know who you may run into...

The Miracle of Science bar + grill always offers a fresh menu right off of their full-size chalk board wall. It is a perfect meet-up spot for drinks or a quick bite to eat before heading to one of the neighborhood hot spots, such as Middlesex Lounge (located right next door.) Spotted at Miracle of Science during my dinner last month? Miss. Bjork herself...and we all know that she only hits up the coolest spots in town!

HINT: Try the chicken skewers, always cooked to perfection and paired with their house salsa and salad.

Phone: 617-868-2866

321 Mass. Ave

Cambridge, MA 02139

The Decordova Museum - Perfect for a sunny day!

The DeCordova museum holds not only three floors of ever changing art galleries but is also surrounded by a Sculpture Park that stretches over 35 acres of rolling woodlands and lawns. The park is the largest of its kind in New England and holds over 75 sculptures.

HINT: Entrance is free for Bank of America card holders on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month!

PHONE: 781-259-8355
51 Sandy Pond Road
Lincoln, MA 01773

Sinatra by day, Sinful by night - Keep it classy Boston (Lucky's Lounge)

Think Rat Pack meets Michael Jackson. This is the ultra fun vibe that Lucky's Lounge brings to Boston every weekend. Although they are known to throw one hell of a Saturday night, they also bring in live talent every Thursday and Friday. Their DJ spins top 40s and also takes the crowd back old school style. If you are ready to get rowdy but enjoy keeping it classy, Lucky’s lounge is a perfect spot for you.

HINT: No need to fret over that open tab left at the bar the night before, Lucky’s hosts a fabulous Sinatra Sunday brunch…what does that entail? Trust us and go see for yourself!

Phone: 617-357-5825
355 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02110

Icing on the Cake - The place for cakes!

I vote icing on the cake for the best cakes in town! Located in Watertown, their pricing is a little cheaper than in the city bakeries. They have been in business for over 25 years and have a very loyal following. For every birthday, anniversary and event I always think of my favorite cake bakers on Adams Ave.

HINT: The classic chocolate hazelnut cake with buttercream frosting is to die for and their designs are out of this world. The sky is the limit, and they love a challenge!

Phone: 617-969-1830
230 Adams Street
Newton, MA 02458

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is simply breath taking. Three floors of galleries surround a garden courtyard blooming with life in all seasons. The galleries are filled with paintings, sculpture, tapestries, furniture, and decorative arts from cultures spanning thirty centuries. It is the perfect little spot to embrace the weather and welcome the spirit of Spring!

HINT: The museum hosts an after hours party from 5:30p-8:30p every third Thursday of each month. TONIGHT, March 18th the event features a sketch room, live music and informal gallery talks throughout the museum! Tickets are $12.00.

Phone: 617-566-1401
280 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Happy St. Patrick's Day BOSTON!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day BOSTON! This happens to be one of my favorite days of the year, not only because it is my birthday, but because this day really brings out the true spirit of Boston in all its glory! With a sunny day reaching 60 degrees, I am sure that all of Boston will be in full party mode. The Irish pubs have all of their green beers in stock, and many bring in live bands and special suprises for their biggest holiday of the year!

HINT: Here is a website to give you more information on your local Irish pubs and the celebrations happening in your town! Have fun, and good luck making it to work tomorrow morning, we know this guy must have had a hard time doing so last year!

The Enormous Room - A Cambridge hot spot!

The Enormous Room in Cambridge is quite the opposite of its name. The cozy and intimate lounge/club always promises a great dance party. This seems to be the place where no rules apply and the crowd is always ready to party! Dancing on tables, couches and more...anything goes.

HINT: Their website has a monthly schedule of upcoming DJ's from reggae to electro, so check it out and have fun!

Phone: 617-491-5550
569 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Vlora - Mediterranean cuisine that won't break the bank!

Vlora restaurant creates delicious, fresh and classic Mediterranean dishes. Vlora is one of the very few Boston restaurants to get the cuisine right. From their amazing lunch specials to their extensive wine list, Vlora has something to offer every guest. The ambiance is calming, chic and elegant, reminding us of the Mediterranean way of life.

They announce great lunch specials every month, so if your office is nearby, we say Vlora is worth the walk!

HINT: We love everything we have tried here, but a few favorites include the chicken gyro, gnocchi with tomato, kalamata and onion and the vegetable moussaka.

Phone: 617-638-9699
545 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116

Boston Chocolate Tours - What a fabulous idea!

The Chocolate tours have finally arrived in our fine city! Yes, you get to walk around Boston for 2.5 hours and taste many different flavors and varieties of chocolates, some that I am sure you have never heard of before. The chocolatiers teach you the ins and outs of the sweets, what to pair them with, and how to savor that perfect bite.

HINT: Private tours are available for both small and large parties. Great for birthday gifts, bachelorette parties and more!

ENJOY!

Phone: 781-793-9706

Want to Shag? - Shag hair salon that is...

Four years ago Shag graced us with its presence in Southie, and is now the hot spot and only true rockstar hair styling experience in Boston. Cuts are surprisingly still low priced ranging from only $40.00 to $80.00! Proud owner Sandy Poirier spends his off time DJing hot parties at Bond, the W hotel and more.

The salon grew from just one sink and styling station to now seeing 100 clients a day on average and employing over 23 hair stylists. All stylists come from very experienced backgrounds and have expertise from dye jobs to bang trims.

HINT: The salon is pup and kid friendly, so bring the whole gang!

Phone: 617-268-2500
840 Summer Street
3rd Floor South Boston, MA 02127

Concepts - A kickass boutique for the boys!

Concepts launched in 1996 catering to men's footwear, sportswear, premium denim and outerwear. You can find Gucci, New Balance, special edition Andy Warhol skateboards and Nike snowboarding boots all under one roof! They stock one of a kind items and some really cool kicks. Guys, this is a store worth checking out!

HINT: The lower level hosts an invite-only membership lounge. Products and lounge experience are exclusive to its members. So NYC style...we love it!

Phone: 617-868-2001
37 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Shoe Woo at Copley - Woo hoo for shoes!

Shoe Woo opened its doors just last week in place of the old Nine West store at Copley Mall. This new show boutique now carries over nine brands of shoes, including the original Nine West brand. The store also carries bags, accessories and more. Have fun and shop at your own risk!

Phone: 617-536-6376
2 Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116

HINT: Shoe Woo is currently featuring all of the lines cutest sandles, wedges and colorful pumps just in time for spring!

Want to fly? - TSNY Flying Trapeze lessons!

It’s Saturday, you have seen all the latest exhibits, you aren’t in the mood to hit the stores, and you are a thrill seeker looking for a new adventure. This is where TSNY Boston comes in! Boston’s official school for flying trapeze lessons, yes…I said flying trapeze. TSNY’s instructors will guide you through a two hour lesson and promise to have you flying high by the end of it. Classes range from $45.00-$60.00.

HINT: Once you have the basic trapeze down, you can move on to silk, rope and fabric trapeze. This is a great workout for strength building and stretching!

Phone: 781-942-7800
50 Walkers Brook Drive
Reading, MA 01867

SPRING IS IN BLOOM!

Dear Boston Weekends Readers,

Just two weeks old, and Boston Weekends already has a strong following! This blog intends to review memorable and notable places, people, and things in arts, lifestyle, entertainment, food, music and more! We think that you should know just what to order, which new boutique to check out, and just what to expect, and this is why Boston Weekends is the best place to find REAL reviews on your city, get new inspiration, and discover hidden gems worth the trip!

We promise to keep our reviews short and sweet. A simple and enjoyable read for your mornings before you attempt that to-do list. Thanks for coming back to visit us everyday!

HINT: If you ever find a place that is "review worthy" send a tip to Bostonweekends@gmail.com, we are always happy to hear suggestions from our readers!

Blog schedule: (Monday through Friday) common now, we have to enjoy our weekends too....

Wishing you a happy, peaceful and adventurous SPRING!

Kristina & The Boston Weekends team!

Chef Barbara Lynch – What she touches turns to Gold!

Since the opening of the Boston staple No. 9 Park in 1998, The Barbara Lynch Gruppo has kept Boston foodies on their toes. Chef Lynch strives for excellence in every aspect of her six well established restaurants as well as 9 at Home catering. The Barbara Lynch Gruppo will soon be opening its doors to Boston’s newest fine dining experience Menton, and we simply cannot wait!

Whether you are up for a seven course Chefs tasting at No. 9 Park: a Gwyneth Paltrow favorite, or craving the perfect Maine Lobster roll at B&G Oysters, the Barbara Lynch Gruppo guarantees to always exceed your highest expectations.

HINT: It's been a long winter, so we say: go ahead and live a little, you deserve it!

Phone: 617-742-9991

Barbara Lynch Gruppo

9 Park Street

Boston, MA 02108

The Power of Prana! - Yoga studios and Vegan Cafe

Taylor and Philippe, a husband and wife team started Prana Power Yoga over eight years ago. In their personal lives they had obtained numerous degrees from ivy-league schools, had been promoted to the top of their corporate careers, however never felt the satisfaction that is supposed to come along with the achievement of the “American Dream.”

Both feeling connected to yoga, they finally decided to turn their passions into their careers. Prana Power Yoga has now reached the title of one of the Top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. Prana Vegan Cafe recently opened in Newton and already has a popular following. A favorite on the menu: Super-mom's super-charger -Young coconut water, caco powder, cacao nibs, coconut butter, soaked cashews, agave, and a pinch of Himalayan crystal salt. $8.75

Every aspect of Prana, from the instructors they hire, to the menu at the café, is an obvious reason as to why Prana holds the reputation that it does today.

HINT: New classes and events are announced every week including: Prana after dark, heat yoga, yoga with a live dj, raw food prep courses, and the Prana cleanse. NAMASTE!

Prana Cambridge
Phone:617.441.9642
585 Mass Ave, 2nd Floor (2R on elevator)
Central Square
Cambridge MA 02139

Prana Newton
Phone:617.641.9642
282 centre street
Newton, Ma 02458

Underbar - Underrated?

The world is mine…or at least I think it is when I am on the dance floor at Underbar. This club has 2 rooms downstairs, a lounge on the main entrance and a smaller intimate club upstairs that is known for its international and Greek nights. With the loudest base in town, wild crowd and always packed dance floor, this is the place to be on Saturday nights for Boston's club scene.

HINT: Boston French Party, a group known for throwing killer themed parties have taken over Underbar many times and promise an unforgettable night. Often included in the mix, famous DJ Jean Michel NYC who opened for David Guetta in Boston this past winter.

Phone: 617-292-0080

275 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02116

The Friendly Toast - The brunch everyone is raving about, but we also think their bar scene is pretty wicked!

I can still taste that first bite of my Almond Joy pancake: A pancake filled with almonds, coconut and chocolate chips. Don't have a sweet tooth? How about New Hampshire's Finest: An omelet filled with locally-made goat cheese, asparagus, scallions and bacon. Served along side, homefries and HOMEMADE toast.

I actually came across The Friendly Toasts first location in Portsmouth, NH years ago and was pleasantly surprised to hear of its opening in Cambridge. The brunch has already received raving reviews from Boston's publications, but have you checked out its bar scene? The doors to the comingly popular bar are open Thurs-Sat until 1am. The bright and funky decor of the 40's era, eccentric drink menu, loud music and always cool Cambridge locals, makes this a great hot spot for a drink, or two, or three...

HINT: This isn't the place to take Grandma and Grandpa for Sunday brunch, and its a experience you soon won't forget.

Phone: 617-621-1200
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA 02142

Tis.tiK Boutique - Bright cocktail rings just in time for spring!

26 year old Perla Brito Cuevas is from Taxco, Mexico the country's jewelry capital. She grew up surrounded and inspired by jewelry merchants and makers. Perla, a Babson College graduate is now the proud owner of the Harvard Square and Dedham boutiques Tis.tiK meaning, "A warm welcome to you" in the Mayan language.

Perla stays true to her roots and represents the artisan works of young women designers from Mexico. From jewelry, to hand bags, frames and more, these designers are finally getting the recognition that their beautiful work deserves. Much of the artwork is made from recycled material. The beauty of this work cannot be described in words, its something that you just have to see for yourself!

HINT: The cocktail rings pictured above make for that perfect accent to your classic spring dress and are priced at $52.00!

Phone: 617-661-0900

Harvard Square

54 Church Street

Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone:781-326-9110

702 Legacy Place

Dedham, MA 02026

The Dise, rocking Boston for over 30 years

Amongst many great music venues in Boston such as The Middle East, The Toad, Zu Zu, and more, lies The Paradise Rock club. From the sound, to the crowd, The Dise is still the King in our eyes. The March and April line-up alone includes some of our favorites like The Donna's, Drug Rug, and Nada Surf.

This unique venue allows for big name bands to come back to their roots and play in an intimate setting and rock the house like only Boston knows how.

HINT: They make their drinks solid, so slow your roll, remember were not all rock stars. Tickets range from $10.00-$35.00

Phone: 617-562-8800

967 Comm. Ave

Boston, MA 02115