I've been going to Page for my waxing needs since I moved to Boston in 2014. This has included following her from the most convenient location ever (LITERALLY around the corner from my house at the time) to Medford which is NOT around the corner from my home in from Roslindale.

Why would I ever make the 30+ minute trek from Rozzie to Medford to get waxed you might ask? I do it because Page is, hands down, the BEST at what she does. Ladies (and gents), I'm not going to lie and tell you that it's painless - no waxing is - but it's about as painless as it could be thanks to her all natural wax, bubbly personality and deft hand.

The icing on the cake here is her new boutique/studio. Page Aesthetics is beautiful, spotless, and super easy to get to for folks in Somerville and Medford. Not based in Somerville or Medford? Go anyway. You won't regret it.

Jason is a lifesaver. Our A/C stopped cooling our home the evening before a severe heatwave was set to hit Boston. After getting a frantic call from me at 4:50pm the night before, he fit us in before his first call at 8:00am the next day. Jason was at my home at 7:30am, ready to go. We showed him the units and, unfortunately for us, they were frozen over. He couldn't do too much to help except tell us how to thaw it out and what to do to get it running at an acceptable temperature. He came back this AM at the same time, fixed the A/C for the heat wave and rest of the summer and mentioned what it might be for a long term fix as well as what it might cost. Since our home is still under warranty, we are contacting the builder for repairs, however, are hoping they will allow us to employ Jason for that fix as well.

Cost was EXTREMELY fair for two stops at our home, plus the short term fix to get us through the heat wave and the rest of the summer. Place that on top of the fact that we were last minute visits, and know that I was expecting to pay way more - and would have gladly.

My husband and I have definitely found our go-to HVAC company.

I stopped in this morning for a quick bite, some coffee, and to nose around to see what treasures there were to find. I did not leave disappointed or empty handed.

The first word that comes to mind when recalling this new neighborhood jewel is thoughtful.

The team at Allium clearly spend a lot of time thinking about the aesthetic of the shop; it's all at once cozy, modern, and a hint nostalgic for the general stores I grew up going to in the Hudson Valley. The shelves and cases are well curated, filled with unique supplies and flavors from around the globe -- think French violet candies, Middle Eastern spices like sumac, Italian balsamic vinegar, and more. There is also a lovely meat and cheese display in the back that it was a just a bit too early for me to explore. All in all, simply lovely.

After perusing the shop for a bit, I placed my breakfast order with a member of the very friendly and knowledgable staff. At the moment, they have a coffee bar and some delicious pastries available; there may be more coming though, as was hinted by a yet to be filled cooler case near the register. I chose a maple latte with a gianduja (chocolate & hazelnut) croissant for my husband, as well as a citrus, ginger and earl grey scone. I've just finished the latte and scone and both were out of this world.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Allium Market. We've been hoping for a place like you.

Stopped here for a quick breakfast and coffee with the husband one Friday we were visiting Portland. It was a short walk from our hotel and seemed to have exactly what we wanted - good, affordable breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

We weren't expecting anything crazy, especially for the prices; just a quick bacon, egg and cheese on a muffin wrapped in foil and decent coffee in a small cup to go la our familiar breakfast haunts when we lived in Brooklyn. What we got was SO MUCH MORE.

We each got a bacon, egg, cheese and avocado on a toasted English muffin with some a glorious spicy feta and red pepper spread. As is the way in Portland, everything was made fresh with quality ingredients and more care than take at home. We loved this sandwich so much we came back the next day. Each day the sandwiches were complimented by delicious, drip coffee and a super friendly and helpful staff... something that I never expect or take for granted even though friendliness seems to be fairly universal in the Portland area.

Coffee ME Up is the type of neighborhood place everyone should aspire to have and is it is certainly one we will be adopting as our own breakfast and lunch spot whenever we are staying in Portland.