Jennifer "JDanger" D.'s Profile

When it comes to hair, makeup and overall salon service I seek out the best and I'm willing to pay for it. Especially on a Sunday.

After Tweeting my own "Sunday Style Challenge," and calling more than three salons, I was still unable to find a stylist willing to do my hair for an important Sunday event. Then I called Trephin based on a tip from my cousin (who always has a great cut!). Lucky for me, they were happy to accommodate my request.  

Generally closed on Sunday, owner Brian Rand agreed to have me in based on the conversation I had with their receptionist. He couldn't believe that I was having such a tough time finding someone to work with and took the opportunity to really showcase Trephin's stellar approach to customer service with a potential new client.

My main direction: more runway/editorial than prom and the style had to look soft, but STAY.

In the next two hours I learned that Brian and I were in NYC at the same time in overlapping industries. As we chatted, I learned of his interest in art, design and architecture. This definitely influences how he does hair, and the results are stunning and completely photo-shoot ready.

With Trephin, Brian and his partner Moe (who specializes in color) have built a sleek, sexy, open space. Airy, yet intimate with a look, feel and service approach uniquely it's own. Trephin completely goes against the typical nature and "turn-and-burn" mentality of many well known Manhattan salons I've visited.

Pricing is equivalent if not less than other Boston salons. I was given a price range on my up-do before I even came in. While it was at the top of the range, it was well worth it. The job was not rushed and I was beyond pleased with the result.

Located in the Downtown Crossing area, parking can be tough, so if you can take the T in (Park Street is closest), I'd say that's the best way to go. I paid $14 in a lot about two blocks away. If you park in the Hyatt hotel lot, Trephin can validate for you.

Lastly, here's a tip about tipping: If any salon is willing to take you during off hours, tip generously. VERY generously. As in more than 20%.

Excellent service, style and pricing. Trephin on a Sunday for the WIN!

What is better than a cold beer on Nantucket on a Saturday afternoon? Touring the actual brewery with the Cisco Brewers Brew Master, cold growler in hand, that's what.

If you are planning to visit and tour the brewery, first know this:

Tours are made by appointment only and special reservations can be made for six people or more.

The cost per person is $20 -- we had five people with us -- so that's how we got the "free" growler with tasting glass. I did some checking with my friends at http://Beeriety.com (one of which was on the tour) and found out that a charge this steep is quite uncommon. (FYI: The Sam Adams brewery has no charge.) Remember, this is Nantucket where everything is more chic than shabby and everything costs something.

Regardless, with a tour of only seven people, we were able to ask as many questions as we wanted and saw all sections of Cisco including the distillery where they make their $888.00 Notch Whiskey.
Our tour guide, Jeff the (incredibly hot) Brew Master was great. Trained at the Culinary Institute in Food & Beverage, he is more knowledgeable about beer and food pairing than anyone I have ever met. He entertained every question asked, shared his "pet project" with us (making beer in wine barrels) and was thrilled with the brewing passion exhibited. He even offered up his personal brewery e-mail to the Beeriety writer. From an experience standpoint, I would say, "GO FOR IT! You're on vacation! And you can learn something . . . About beer! And vodka! And scotch! And wine!"

The best part is post-tour where you can take your pick of which bar to bounce to. The brewery, distillery and vineyard's all have their own set-ups and offer flight tastings. My group chose to set up camp closest to the 888 Vodka bar. This is where we became new best friends with the most incredible Bloody Mary any of us ever tasted. Made with vegetable infused vodka, the Gazpacho Bloody Mary ($8) was thick, spicy and strong. It is the consistency of a traditional Gazpacho soup and fills you up. So worth making the trip to Cisco just for this!

Other notable drinks in the 888 bar area are the Blue Lemonade (this $7 drink goes down like Kool Aid!) and my favorite non-bloody Nantucket beverage: The Figawi Wowie ($8). There is no doubt that this is THE drink to have in summer. The bartenders had run out of mint by day's end and had to stop serving them.

Tip: their courtyard is open, but relatively small. There are a few tables, so be prepared to stand or maybe set up a beach chair or two. Overall, the place is pretty relaxed. I would also recommend you pack your own snacks. There was major Eats Envy happening toward another group who had showed up with chips, dip and a full-on cheese and crackers spread. Cisco closes on the early side, so plan this into your DAY.

And duh . . . make sure you have a designated driver!
Enjoy and cheers!

When a gift gallery is impeccably curated, there is no reason to "shop around."

G.S. Hill Gallery on Nantucket is just that. With a perfect selection of jewelry (mainly pearls), glass, china, hand carved wood pieces, paintings and of course, Nantucket baskets, you will surely find many gifts for the ones you love and one for yourself.

The owner is lovely. Having recently celebrated 30 years in business, she understands her clientele and doesn't need to play the "hard sell" game. Her pieces are absolutely stunning and truly sell themselves.  

On my recent trip, I purchased the new "must have" freshwater pearl and leather bracelet by designer Pam Freitus. Each pearl is chosen by Freitus, each bracelet made by hand. Despite their immense popularity, the prices are still "gentle." Depending on pearl size and closure, you can spend as little as $40. Customized pieces are available, all correspondence can go through the gallery.

Gentlemen: Trust me here. The woman in your life will be thrilled if you visit G.S. Hill. Give the owner your budget and describe who the gift is for. You will be a gift-giving superstar! NOTE: There is a great selection of pieces made with irregular pearls. I personally find the irregulars have a bit more personality and style than their perfect counterparts, and you know what? They are a lot less expensive.

If you're looking for a little something to bring back to Mom, go with their recycled hand-pressed sun-catchers. Small sun-catchers are $9 with the large being $22.

The traditional Nantucket baskets come in range of prices, but no matter where you go on the island, you'll spend a small fortune. If you're going to make the investment, I recommend G.S. Hill. The quality of her goods and the entire shopping experience is worth it.

Myers + Chang is the place to go if:

You're a foodie, but not a food snob.

You enjoy wine, cocktail and food banter with a knowledgeable service staff in a laid-back atmosphere with a killer soundtrack.

You take the time to luxuriate over a family style meal with friends, perhaps sharing a top-shelf Scorpion bowl . . .or two.

You want to pretend your "Norm" and feel like everybody in the restaurant knows your name.

While I can't say that everybody at Myers + Chang knows my name (yet), there are definitely staffers who recognize me on sight and can remember specific conversations that were had about wine pairings, dumplings and my very particular Open Table request to sit away from the front door and nowhere near an open kitchen unless it's part of the dining experience (note: at Myers + Chang it is!).

I'm a huge fan of M+C's recession-buster Monday and Tuesday night dinner specials called "Cheap Date Night" where a couple can dine for a base price of $40, add on a bottle of (really good) wine for another $25 and then a dessert for $5. The amount of food served is ample for any couple and I've found whenever I add on a favorite not included in the "date" that there is far too much food on the table.

Favorites: go for Mama Chang's Pork Dumplings with special dumpling sauce (if M+C bottled this sauce, there would surely be some on-hand in my house every day of the week), Asian-braised short rib soft tacos and braised pork belley buns. I won't spoil the secret to the "Ancient Chinese Secret Chocolate Mousse," but it's worth learning!

An ideal date spot, the staff will do everything they can to make your experience unique and pleasurable. They are very communicative with all of their guests, so if you have a special request, don't be shy, just ask. Their GM recently responded to a personal e-mail I sent requesting a six-top at a desirable time when Open Table wouldn't allow me to make a reservation!

Their attention to detail when it comes to the safety of their special allergy guests in on par with The Four Seasons. Although a person would think all dining establishments would be quite attuned to this sort of thing, I can tell you they are not. M+C has gone as far to prepare a special "Nut & Gluten Free" section of their menu. Everything is made to order, so if you need something special, again, just communicate it to your server.

Other stand-out Myers + Chang tidbits:

Their chef is left-handed and is happy to give tips on where to buy professional grade cooking knives for lefties.

M+ C hosts cooking demonstrations on select Saturday mornings. Classes fill up quickly, so book as soon as you know you want to attend! It's super fun, date friendly and gives you the mad skillz to show off at your next dinner party. If you stick around after the dim sum lunch, Chef will take you on a walking tour of the Chinese market.

Sunday night boasts $1 Island Creek Oysters and $1 PBR's. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Call ahead as the restaurant gets packed early!

Overall, this funky little eatery is total bang for your buck with a staff that knows what being in the service industry really means.

Kudos all the way around.

As a former "glossy girl" who covered beauty as part of my daily job tasks in NYC, I've had many a mani & pedi. I can confidently say that there is no reason to drive all the way into Boston to find a "better" nail salon.

Nails & Spa is immaculate. It is the cleanest nails-only salon I have seen in the area. Their pedi baths & pedi massage chairs (which are fabulous and always work!) can be seen being completely cleaned and disinfected after each use. The staff is cordial, professional, fun and does great work.

The higher price is completely worth it. I highly recommend making an appointment regardless of when you go, but certainly for weekend service. Additionally, the technicians do NOT RUSH their work or you. Although they do a large volume daily, Jen (the owner) knows all of her regulars by first name and she makes sure you enjoy the experience of stepping into her salon.

Also, what other nail salon offers you bottled water while you wait without charge and has current magazine issues?

Lastly, Nails & Spa will do nail parties after hours. Speak with Jen if you're interested as this is not something that is on their service menu.

Top notch, all the way.
This is where I choose to spend my mani-money!

Life In Synergy SLP Online Program

Helena Collins has designed and presented the most comprehensive, easy to follow, easy to learn and easy to maintain online fitness program and has truly made it accessible to everyone (translation: easy to afford).  

Her SLP Online program is extraordinarily helpful in learning proper form, providing motivation and guiding you toward YOUR goals. The biggest benefit with the online program is you don't have to be in Boston (where Life in Synergy is based) to use it! Logging in from a distance for my daily dose of Helena is fantastic and having the option to review the videos is a bonus.

Regardless of how much training and fitness knowledge you think you have, I will confidently say that Helena and her team have so much more. If you make the choice to learn from her and "unlearn" your habits, your body will change. I chose to relearn and review the basics. Even though I was competitive  dancer in my younger years and have worked with trainers before, I was still doing some things "wrong." The slightest modifications in body placement, intention and approach have  dramatically improved my  posture and alleviated neck strain and upper back pain,  leaned out my thighs and given me a pretty killer booty!

I'm now addicted to my pedometer and have tuned other women on to walking with their palms up, water and better posture. I now give pedometers as "happy thought" gifts.  I highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to start a workout regiment, enhance their current workout regiment or anyone else who wants to just LEARN something new about their body. There is an immense value in this program . . . both monetarily and physically! Show owner comment »